Credit Card Debt & Loans

Obtaining A Mortgage After Bankruptcy

Obtaining A Mortgage After Bankruptcy
Reviewed by Melissa Cook
Updated February 22, 2018

It is still possible to purchase a house after filing for bankruptcy.

It can be challenging and you will have to wait some time before your finances are able to bounce back but it is doable.

*** SPECIAL NOTE *** – If your credit cards, personal loans, or medical debts have become unmanageable and you owe over $20,000… then go here for debt relief. We can help!

The most common guideline you’ll have to follow to purchase a home after bankruptcy is to go through a waiting period.

Most lenders and mortgage lending programs including FHA and VA usually require this.

The average waiting period is two years. Check with your state and lender to find out what applies your particular circumstances.

If your bankruptcy is due to hardship outside of your control, such as job loss or extenuating circumstances, you may be able to reduce that time to one year.

Rebuild Your Credit Quickly To Get Even Faster Approval

Open a credit account or using an existing account, make payments on-time for at least 12 months.

Do not close the accounts after paid off. Rather, keep them open and active.

Always keep the ratio of what you spend to what’s actually available low.

For example, on a $1000 credit card, have an open balance of no more than $300.

Open a secured credit card. Again, make monthly on-time payments to show a good payment history. You can use this card for minor expenses, such as gas, groceries or utility bills.

Show that you know how to handle other types of credit accounts.

Whether student loans, personal loans or other types of credit, make regular on-time monthly payments so that you begin to develop a track record of success.

Talk to your lender about the requirements necessary to qualify for a mortgage loan.

This includes minimum credit score, debt-to-income ratio, length of waiting period after bankruptcy discharge, if you have extenuating circumstances and if there is anything you can do to reasonably speed up the process.

Even More Tips To Help You Buy Your Home After Bankruptcy

Look for first-time homebuyer programs.

If you’ve never purchased a home, look for first-time homebuyer programs.

Check out the eligibility guidelines and see if there’s some flexibility for your situation, particularly if you’ve been able to find new employment after a job loss.

Bring more to the table. An FHA loan will normally allow you to purchase with as little as 3.5% down payment. Are you able to put down 5% comfortably? If so, this can only help you.

Look at the various lending programs within your bank to see which will be most attractive to your situation.

It doesn’t hurt to ask and to begin preparation as soon as you know you want to buy a home.

With planning, proper documentation and persistence, you can bounce back from bankruptcy and buy your new home.

At Americor, we understand the unique financial challenges people are facing today.

As America’s trusted source for debt relief solutions, we aim to empower you with financial knowledge that can lead to informed decisions, whether it’s about savings, investments, or managing debt.

If your debt has become unmanageable and you have difficulty making your debt payments each month, then you should consider a FREE consultation call with one of our certified Debt Consultants, who can provide personalized debt relief advice tailored to your specific needs.

By taking proactive steps today, you can put an end to your financial stress and work towards a brighter financial future. 

Remember, there is always hope for debt relief, and our team of experienced professionals are ready to guide you on your journey to regaining control of your finances.

For more information on Americor’s debt relief services, contact us today to see how we can help you eliminate your debts, and get on the fast-track to becoming completely debt-free!